Thalian Association Community Theatre chose Stacie Smith to become the new director of the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, according to a recent announcement.

The announcement came after longtime Community Arts Center Director Samantha Chappell accepted a position as the regional program director for Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines, a news release stated.

Smith has extensive experience in youth education as a teacher and after school program coordinator at First Baptist Preschool, Saint Andrews Covenant Preschool and New Horizons Elementary School, according to the release.

She has been assistant director of creative arts camp at the Community Arts Center since 2017 and affiliated with Thalian Youth Theatre as a director and stage manager for more than a decade. Her career includes event management with Design Perfection, specializing in wedding coordination and design.

“Stacie comes to the association with vast experience in youth education, camp programming and event management as well as personal history and love for the historic building,” stated Thalian Association Executive Director Susan Habas in the release. “Stacie has been involved in youth arts programming at the Community Arts Center for many years, first as a participant, later a teacher and creative arts camp assistant director and now director of the building.”

Smith said in the release, “The Community Arts Center has been an important part of my life for the last fifteen years. While the people have changed over the years, that same wonderful feeling you get when you walk into the building is always there. I look forward to continuing building traditions and welcoming new faces to this unique facility."

The Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center is owned by the city of Wilmington and managed by Thalian Association Community Theatre.